Madison teen defrauded in bad Craigslist deal

By Associated Press
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MADISON (AP) - A Madison teen has been defrauded after she sold her laptop through Craigslist to someone who paid with counterfeit bills. The incident has prompted a reminder from authorities to conduct Craigslist swaps under safe circumstances.

Madison police say the 19-year-old found a buyer willing to pay $700 for the laptop. They agreed to meet Tuesday about 10:45 p.m. in a grocery store parking lot.

The teen was explaining the nuances of the laptop but says the buyer seemed uninterested.

The buyer paid with a stack of $20 bills. When the teen returned home she realized the bills were counterfeit, with smeared ink and crooked print.

Authorities suggest Craigslist buyers and sellers meet in daylight hours in well-trafficked areas, such as a mall or even a police station lobby.